Two men and a woman are charged with second-degree murder in the deaths of three Six Nations of the Grand River residents, whose bodies were found southwest of London last November.
Provincial police announced on Thursday the arrests of Nicholas Shipman, 36, Thomas Bomberry, 30, and Jamie Beaver, 32, in relation to the triple homicide.
The bodies of Alan Porter, 33, Melissa Miller, 37, and Michael Jamieson, 32, all from Six Nations of the Grand River, were discovered with a stolen grey 2006 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck in a field off of Bodkin Road near Jones Road outside of Oneida Nation of the Thames on the morning of November 4. Police later confirmed Miller was seven months pregnant at the time of her death.
Autopsies were performed two days after the grisly discovery, however, the cause of death has not been released by police.
Shipman, who has been in police custody on an unrelated matter since November 3, is now charged with three counts of second-degree murder. Bomberry is charged with two counts of second-degree murder, and Beaver is charged with one count of second-degree murder.
Bomberry and Shipman appeared in Brantford court in relation to the murder charges on Wednesday. They have been remained in police custody and will make their next court appearance on May 9.
Beaver was arrested early Thursday and is awaiting a bail hearing.
Kristin Bomberry, 36, of Six Nations of the Grand River was charged in the weeks that followed the homicide with three counts of being an accessory after the fact to murder in relation to the deaths.
"It saddens me to know that people who call this area home have been charged with ending the lives of three fellow community members in such a tragic way," Six Nations Acting Deputy Police Chief Darren Montour said at a news conference Thursday afternoon. "We have been working diligently with our OPP partners and with the families through our victim service professionals to encourage members of our own community to come forward with information on these and any other unresolved crimes. It has taken the families great courage to endure the months that have passed while we conduct a thorough and professional investigation."
Police would not comment on the relationship between the victims and the individuals charged, nor would they clarify whether the murders took place at the same location where their bodies were found.
"Due to the ongoing court process, and particularly the publication ban, we will not be discussing details relating to the investigation or to the relationships of those involved," said OPP Detective Superintendent Ken Leppert.
When asked if he could speak about a possible motive for the three murders Leppert responded, "not at this time."
Police also offered no confirmation whether the murders had any connection to that of Miller's former common-law partner Douglas Hill, whose body was found on Bodkin Road in August 2017.
"As far as linking any outstanding crimes to our ongoing investigation, we are not prepared to do that at this time. We are treating all of these investigations independently," Leppert stated.
The three victims' families have repeatedly made tearful appeals to the public for information in relation to the case. Despite the latest charges, police stressed they are still asking anyone with information to come forward.
"We do believe there are people in the community who may have information that would assist with the investigation, but may have been reluctant to speak to police prior to today. We again urge anyone with additional information to contact the dedicated tip line at 1-844-677-5050," said Leppert.
Tips can also be provided through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
"You may not think you know what is important. Even small or seemingly insignificant information can assist us with solving serious crimes," added Montour.
